A handle 14 with a changeable grip 12 for a shock imparting implement has a gripping sleeve 18 positioned on an end 24 of a handle 14 abutting a ledge 28 integrally formed in the handle 14. A threaded cap 20 compresses the gripping sleeve 18 against the ledge 28 to secure the grip 12 to the handle 14. Optional splines 40 on an outer surface of the handle 14 meshing with channels 42 in the gripping sleeve 18 function to prevent slippage or rotation during use.
|
1. A golf club shaft with a changeable gripping sleeve, comprising:
an elongated tubular member having an initial diameter, said tubular member having first and second ends, said first end being constructed for attachment to a club head, said second end of said elongated tubular member terminating in a butt end, said butt end having a threaded indentation therein;
said second end of said tubular member having a bell-shaped section integrally formed in said tubular member and spaced from said butt end, said bell-shaped section having a diameter larger in size than said initial diameter, said bell-shaped section having a ledge at an end integrally formed in said elongated tubular member, said ledge of said bell-shaped portion being spaced a distance from said butt end of said elongated tubular member;
a gripping sleeve constructed to slide on to and cover at least a portion of said second end of said tubular member, a lower end of said gripping sleeve abutting against said ledge;
a cap for covering an upper end of said gripping sleeve; and
a fastener for securing said cap and thereby said gripping sleeve to said second end of said tubular member, said fastener constructed to mesh with said threaded indentation in said butt end of said tubular member.
2. A golf club shaft with a changeable gripping sleeve according to
3. A golf club shaft with a changeable gripping sleeve according to
4. A golf club shaft with a changeable gripping sleeve according to
5. A golf club shaft with a changeable gripping sleeve according to
6. A golf club shaft with a changeable gripping sleeve according to
7. A golf club shaft with a changeable gripping sleeve according to
8. A golf club shaft with a changeable gripping sleeve according to
9. A golf club shaft with a changeable gripping sleeve according to
10. A golf club shaft with a changeable gripping sleeve according to
11. A golf club shaft with a changeable gripping sleeve, according to
12. A golf club shaft with a changeable gripping sleeve according to
13. A golf club shaft with a changeable grip gripping sleeve according to
|
The present disclosure relates in general to a handle with a changeable grip particularly suited for shock imparting implements, and more particularly to a new and improved golf club shaft with a changeable grip.
There are many forms of grips available on the market today for a wide variety of implements. These implements can range from hammer handles or other hand tools to sports implements like tennis, squash, or racquetball rackets, or golf clubs. While the present disclosure is particularly suited for a golf club shaft with a changeable grip and described with particular reference thereto, it should be immediately apparent that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited only to golf and extends to any sports grip or hand grip for a shock imparting implement.
Originally, golf club grips consisted primarily of a leather wrap around a handle. Later, molded rubber slip-on grips became available and are still in wide use today. A recent variation on the molded rubber grip is the concept of using a rubber sleeve or underlisting on the handle with a leather or synthetic leather wrap spirally wrapped around the underlisting, or alternatively a single panel cover over the underlisting. Grips are made today from a wide variety in construction and combinations of materials.
As the market demands a wider range of grips with different colors, weights, and sizes, producing a cost effective grip that meets a wide range of customer requirements is becoming very difficult. There still exists a need for an improved changeable grip that imparts or receives shock or force to or from a shock imparting implement. A changeable grip provides greater flexibility in selecting a specific grip for a given application or for use under a wide variety of conditions. It allows the user to select exactly the type of grip needed under the given conditions for the desired application. It is also desirable for the grip to be constructed in a manner that provides a firm grasp with little or no slippage and with good resistance to torque as well as exhibiting good shock absorbing qualities.
A changeable grip further allows for a wide variety of enhancing features to the grip such as designing the grip weight for swing weight control, or even still multiple types of gripping surfaces with interchangeable gripping sleeves of combinations of various materials. Swing weight control, handle stiffness, flex control, shock absorption are just some of the important factors in improving the impact from the implement. The concept of tailoring a grip to provide the user with multiple options minimizes the need for multiple grips and multiple implements.
Thus, it is desirable to have a changeable grip that allows the user to select the right fit and feel for the handle or shaft of a shock imparting implement or tool to meet the needs of the user in a given application.
The present disclosure describes a handle with a changeable grip for a shock imparting implement that offers a wide variety of features.
The handle with the changeable grip according to the present disclosure includes an elongated tubular member having an initial diameter with two ends. A first end is constructed for attachment to a working head. The second end terminates in a butt end with a threaded indentation. The second end further includes a bell shaped section spaced from the butt end towards the first end. The bell shaped section has a diameter larger in size than the initial diameter which then reduces in size to form a ledge. The lower end of a gripping sleeve is slidably received on the second end of the elongated tubular member where it abuts the ledge. A cap with a threaded fastener meshes with the threaded indentation in the butt end of the handle to compress the gripping sleeve up against the ledge.
The handle with changeable grip is particularly suited for use as a golf club shaft with a changeable golf club grip. The design of the present disclosure accommodates the U.S. Golf Association (“USGA”) rules requirement for the shaft to extend the full length of the shaft as well as provides a structure that has a simple configuration with reduced parts.
The various features of novelty which characterize the present disclosure are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure and its operating advantages attained with its use, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, and descriptive matter.
Referring to the figures, which are not intended to limit the present disclosure, and where like numerals designate like or similar features throughout the several views, and first in particular to
Naturally there are many others, and even possibly more sport items that may still be developed. While particular reference is being made to a golf club handle with a changeable grip in the subject disclosure, it should be understood that the subject disclosure is applicable to any shock imparting implement including but not limited to other sporting implements and tool handles such as a hammer handle or a screwdriver handle.
Referring to
Turning now to
Next referring to
As seen in
In still another embodiment, an optional elongated rod 44 which may be a metal wire, rod, or an elastomeric line or rod is positioned fairly centrally in a slot 45 on one of the ridges 46 in the gripping sleeve 18 between the splines 40 to form a reminder rib 48 in the gripping sleeve 18 for a golfer. A reminder rib 48 is a device known and used by some golfers for facilitating their hand placement on the grip 12. The United States Golf Association rules require a reminder rib 48 not to be greater than about 0.04 inches or about 1 millimeter. The diameter of the rod 44 should be equal to or less than the 0.04 inches or 1 millimeter in order to comply with the golf rules. The location of the reminder rib 48 is adjustable by positioning the rod 44 in one of the slots 45 as seen in
Handle 14 may be constructed from steel, aluminum, titanium or some other metal or metal alloy, fiberglass or graphite, and can be reinforced with carbon or other material fibers if desired.
The gripping sleeve 18 and cap 20 may be made from natural or synthetic rubber, an elastomeric material like a rubber compound, a synthetic plastic, thermoplastic material, silicone material, or mixtures thereof, and may contain fibers or cords imbedded therein for a better gripping. Gripping sleeve 18 may contain on its outer surface indicia for decorative purposes, and/or grooves or notches for gripping purposes.
The gripping sleeve 18 can further comprise one or more layers of a rubber, elastomeric, or thermoplastic material, or combinations of such materials. These layers can be arranged to provide varying durometer values. A durometer value or rating is an international standard for the hardness measurement of rubber, plastic and other non-metallic materials. Durometer values and ratings are described in the American Society for Testing and Material specification ASTM D2240. For example in one embodiment, an inner surface of the sleeve 18 may have a hardness value ranging from approximately twenty-five to approximately fifty Shore A hardness. The outer surface or layer of the sleeve 18 can have a durometer value preferably ranging from approximately twenty-five to approximately ninety Shore A. Any combination of durometer values may be used depending upon the user's desire for a surface grip feel with good frictional qualities and tactile feel coupled with a firmer inner section.
The improved changeable grip 12 of the present disclosure allows the user to select and change grips rapidly based on the optimum weight, feel, look, and moisture absorbency for a given application.
While specific embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of this disclosure, it will be understood that there may be other embodiments based on this without departing from such principles.
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
10010773, | May 31 2017 | Grip assemblies and related methods | |
10052538, | Sep 20 2016 | EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED | Golf grip with reminder rib |
10099101, | Dec 07 2017 | SSG INTERNATIONAL, LLC | Golf club grip with sensor housing |
10143902, | Nov 15 2017 | EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED | Flexible grip for a golf club and method of making same |
10350471, | Sep 23 2016 | Ready Grip Technologies, LLC | Removable and reattachable golf club grip |
10500454, | Sep 17 2015 | READY GRIP TECHNOLOGIES, INC | Removable and reattachable golf club grip |
10525316, | Sep 17 2015 | READY GRIP TECHNOLOGIES, INC. | Removable and reattachable golf club grip |
10603558, | Dec 07 2017 | SSG INTERNATIONAL, LLC | Golf club grip with sensor housing |
10898773, | Sep 17 2015 | Ready Grip Technologies, LLC | Removable and reattachable golf club grip |
11083940, | May 31 2017 | Grip assemblies and related methods | |
11253760, | Sep 23 2016 | READY GRIP TECHNOLOGIES, INC. | Removable and reattachable golf club grip |
11369851, | Dec 21 2020 | SSG International LLC | Interchangeable golf club grip with shaft attachment system |
8814719, | Jun 19 2012 | Callaway Golf Company | Lightweight grip for sports equipment |
9138623, | Jun 19 2012 | Callaway Golf Company | Lightweight grip for sports equipment |
9452333, | Apr 25 2016 | Compression interchangeable golf grip | |
9586114, | Apr 25 2016 | Snap compression interchangeable golf grip | |
9656133, | Oct 06 2016 | Expanding golf grip core | |
9889357, | Sep 17 2015 | READY GRIP TECHNOLOGIES, INC | Removable and reattachable golf club grip |
D849166, | Dec 07 2017 | SSG INTERNATIONAL, LLC | Golf putter grip |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
1626967, | |||
2023131, | |||
2103889, | |||
2871899, | |||
2941806, | |||
3360264, | |||
4365807, | Jul 31 1980 | MEL-CO CORPORATION, BOX 656 - MASON CITY, 50401 | Golf club including rotatable grip |
4461479, | Feb 13 1981 | Golf club having weighted handle | |
5374064, | Jul 26 1993 | Golf club training apparatus | |
5575724, | Jul 19 1995 | SQUIRREL CANYON GOLF, INC | Alignment-oriented golf club |
5653643, | Nov 20 1995 | Matscitechno Licensing Company | Vibration absorbing material for handles of sporting equipment |
5713104, | Sep 30 1996 | Pneumatic compressed auxiliary implement handle for the manually impaired | |
5730662, | Oct 21 1996 | JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N A , AS SUCCESSOR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | Grip assembly and method |
5749798, | Aug 15 1996 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co | Racket for tennis or the like games |
5769414, | Oct 16 1991 | ADIDAS-SALOMON USA, INC ; TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC | Golf club |
5855525, | Jan 19 1994 | Golf club | |
5906548, | Jul 06 1998 | Convertible golf club | |
5944617, | Nov 20 1995 | Matscitechno Licensing Company | Vibration absorbing material for handles of sporting equipment |
6511386, | Sep 06 2001 | D.B. Consolidated Enterprises, Inc. | Hand grip attachment with mechanical means for adjusting firmness and feel |
7172514, | Nov 25 2002 | On Track Sports, L.L.C. | Extendable golf club having interlockable spacer segments |
7261641, | Feb 04 2002 | Balance-Certified Golf, Inc. | Method and apparatus for improving dynamic response of golf club |
7435186, | Feb 23 2004 | Golf club grip | |
7458902, | Mar 14 2007 | Eaton Corporation | Changeable golf grip |
7479069, | Nov 24 2004 | Michael H. L., Cheng | Insert for altering the stiffness of a golf club shaft |
7634839, | Apr 17 2003 | Shedrain Corporation | Pliable handle |
7877843, | Dec 23 2004 | Felo-Werkzeugfabrik Holland-Letz GmbH | Handle |
7992258, | Jan 16 2009 | Customized sports safety grips | |
8216085, | Jun 19 2008 | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, LTD | Golf club |
20020107088, | |||
20060094525, | |||
20060287124, | |||
20070074374, | |||
20080313859, | |||
20090124408, | |||
20090253530, | |||
20100248858, | |||
20110053704, | |||
EP1927439, | |||
GB2260499, | |||
WO2008110888, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Jun 07 2010 | GILL, DAVID KEITH | Eaton Corporation | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 024498 | /0753 | |
Jun 08 2010 | Eaton Corporation | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Dec 31 2017 | Eaton Corporation | EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 048855 | /0626 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Mar 22 2013 | ASPN: Payor Number Assigned. |
Sep 26 2016 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
Dec 07 2020 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
May 24 2021 | EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Apr 16 2016 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Oct 16 2016 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Apr 16 2017 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Apr 16 2019 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Apr 16 2020 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Oct 16 2020 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Apr 16 2021 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Apr 16 2023 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Apr 16 2024 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Oct 16 2024 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Apr 16 2025 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Apr 16 2027 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |